47°
The Regional Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)—an independent investigative body comprising multiple Northern Virginia law enforcement agencies—presented the findings of its investigation to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney's Office, which ultimately determined that no charges would be filed against the officers involved, officials said.
The ruling stems from an officer-involved shooting on Aug. 1, 2024, when Prince William County Police shot and killed 22-year-old Gabriel Rene Ramirez outside a home in the 3000 block of Bromley Court in Woodbridge.
The situation began around 8:21 p.m. on July 31 last year, when police received a call from an out-of-state family member reporting that Ramirez had made suicidal statements and was possibly armed, investigators said.
Officers first responded to Ramirez’s home on Caledonia Circle but were unable to locate him. They later found him in the backyard of an acquaintance’s home on Bromley Court, where he was described as agitated and armed with a handgun.
Authorities say crisis negotiators, including a Community Services clinician, spent hours trying to convince him to surrender. Messages from loved ones were also relayed in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, but were unsuccessful.
As the standoff stretched into the early morning, police obtained an Emergency Custody Order for Ramirez.
At around 5:30 a.m. that morning, Ramirez allegedly pointed his gun toward officers and occupied townhomes nearby, police said.
A SWAT officer with nearly five years of experience fired the single shot, striking Ramirez in the upper body, officials said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The only shot fired during the encounter came from the SWAT officer, officials confirmed.
With the criminal investigation now closed, the Prince William County Police Department will proceed with an internal administrative review of the case through its Office of Professional Standards.
The department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will also conduct a final assessment to determine if the shooting was justified and within department policy.
"This incident was investigated by detectives and supervisors from the CIRT who presented us us with their findings," Commonwealth Attorney Amy Ashworth said.
"I am writing to advise that we have completed the review of the incident and subsequent evaluation and will not be proceeding with any criminal charges against the officer involved in the shooting."
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Lorton and receive free news updates.
